Alastair Cook cracked an unbeaten century to lead England to a nine-wicket victory over Bangladesh in the second Test yesterday as the tourists wrapped up a 2-0 series win.
Setting a target of 209 in little less than two sessions, skipper Cook scored 109 as England cruised to victory with more than 30 minutes play remaining on the fifth and final day.
Cook, who faced 155 balls and blasted 11 fours in recording his 12th test century, put on 167 runs with Kevin Pietersen (74 not out) for the second wicket after fellow opener Jonathan Trott (19) was controversially given run out by the third umpire.
PHOTO: AFP
Earlier, off-spinner James Tredwell claimed three of Bangladesh’s last four wickets to help England bowl out the hosts for 285 runs in their second innings in the first over of the afternoon session.
Bangladesh skipper Shakib Al Hasan was the last man out, falling four runs short of his century when he charged down the pitch to a Tredwell delivery but failed to make contact and was stumped by Matt Prior.
Shakib, who made 49 and 96 runs in two innings and also claimed 4-124 with the ball can take comfort from the fact he was adjudged man of the match.
England off-spinner Graeme Swann took man of the series honors for his 16 wickets that included a maiden 10-wicket haul in the opening test in Chittagong last week which England won by 181 runs.
Bangladesh began the fifth day on 172-6 and appeared to be heading toward safety with nightwatchman Shafiul Islam assisting Shakib nicely until Tredwell broke their stubborn 63-run seventh-wicket partnership.
Trott took a simple catch at deep midwicket off Tredwell in the second over after the new ball was taken to dismiss Shafiul for 28.
Bangladesh then suffered a body blow when their last recognized batsman Naeem Islam gifted Tredwell his second wicket of the morning, sweeping needlessly to be caught by Pietersen at mid on for three.
Debutant paceman Steven Finn took the final wicket of the session when he trapped Abdur Razzak lbw for eight in the final scheduled over of the morning.
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